Day 21 progesterone levels- supporting evidence

[gingerbiscuit24]

Hoping someone might be able to help me!

I’ve had 3 progesterone blood tests taken in the last 4 months (taken 7DPO instead of day 21 of cycle as mine are a bit longer) and the results have all been less than 30 mmol- 27, 17 and 25 mmol/L. 2 private gynaecologists have told me these are low and indicate that I might have “erratic ovulation” where I only ovulate once or twice a year. I’ve spoken to my GP and they are saying my progesterone results are perfectly fine so they won’t look into/refer elsewhere regarding exploring possible causes. I’ve had 2 pregnancy losses, potentially caused by low progesterone in early pregnancy (the opinion of one of the private gynaes).

I’m trying to find valid evidence that progesterone levels should be 30+ to indicate ovulation so I can present this to my GP in the hope this will lead them to do something to help. Unfortunately NICE guidelines don’t see to give a set figure. The only literature I can find are some NHS fertility treatment leaflets from other areas of England which all document progesterone should be over 30 to indicate ovulation, or random non-medical websites. Is anyone aware of a decent/reliable evidence base I could share with the GP?

Hiya!

im really sorry for your loss. I have also had two miscarriages and am concerned about progesterone (having tests this month)
I’m not sure what it’s meant to be but in the meantime maybe worth taking some vitamin c supplements. There’s a well regarded study that showed that those women in the study (who all had low progesterone) were able to raise their progesterone by 77% on average after 6 months of taking a vitamin c supplement. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12909517/

Thank you so much! Coincidentally, I started vitamin C about 3 weeks ago so glad to read that might help! Will keep my fingers crossed for you and hope a BFP is coming your way soon! 🤞🏻

Are you sure they are not too early?
My understanding is that they should be 7 days before your period if an irregular cycle.

If your private gynae genuinely thinks you need ovulation investigations then they can refer you privately or nhs, they should not ask your gp to do it.
If they waffle then really they don’t think you need them and won’t put their name to it

Thank you. My cycles are regular, around 31 days but I get my LH peak around day 20, so a bit later than “textbook”. I was advised by the GP to do the bloods on 7 DPO (or what would be 7 DPO if I actually ovulated!). I’ve been referred privately but not sure how financially viable it will be for us.